Bird feeder with seed reservoir

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bird feeder having a bottom structure, a roof structure, and a side support structure extending between the bottom and roof structures.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A hanging bird feeder, the feeder comprising:
 a) a moveable receptacle, said receptacle comprising at least one wall, a base and a top having a perimeter defining an open area located inwardly of said perimeter; 
 b) a stationary platform suspended within said receptacle between said base and said top of said moveable receptacle, the receptacle and platform together forming a food reservoir having an exposed top layer of food; 
 c) a feeding platform secured directly on the perimeter of said top of said moveable receptacle, said feeding platform having an extension extending radially inwardly of said top perimeter and defining an interior space located above the open area of said top perimeter, said feeding platform extension aligned with and always in contact with the exposed top layer of food within said receptacle and thereby forming a food stop preventing food from spilling out of said receptacle, said interior space allowing unobstructed access to the exposed top layer of food deposited into said food reservoir; 
 d) an elongated covering spaced above and extending over said feeding platform; 
 e) at least two suspension cables, each of at least two suspension cables having an upper end and a lower end with a fixed length extending therebetween, said upper end secured to said elongated covering and said lower end connected to said stationary platform and extending within said receptacle; and 
 f) said feeding platform and said moveable receptacle together being movable as a single unit in relation to said stationary platform through the force of gravity as food in said food reservoir is consumed, said extension remaining in contact with the exposed top layer of food as the top layer of food continuously lowers as it is consumed from a first loaded position when said receptacle is full of food which causes said stationary suspended platform to locate proximate said base of said moveable receptacle, to a second empty position, when said receptacle is empty of food which causes said receptacle to move downward relative to said stationary suspended platform whereby said stationary platform locates at a position spaced above and distal from said base of said moveable receptacle. 
 
     
     
       2. The feeder of  claim 1 , wherein said feeding platform having at least two spans perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said feeding platform and resting upon said reservoir. 
     
     
       3. The feeding platform of  claim 2 , said at least two spans having cable apertures allowing said cables to extend through said at least two spans. 
     
     
       4. The suspended platform of  claim 1  further comprising a raised center level and a lower gutter level, said lower gutter level allowing liquid to drain from said reservoir. 
     
     
       5. The feeder of  claim 1 , said at least two suspension cables composed of a material selected from the following: rope, wire, metal, or nylon.